As a homeowner, you can play an important part
in the timely sale of your property. When you take the following
steps, you'll help
Jim Williams of
RE/MAX sell your home
faster, at the best possible price.

Make the Most of that First Impression
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a
clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly
painted - or at least freshly scrubbed - front door. If it's
autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, shovel the
walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true
appeal of your home, the better.

Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends
Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up in
the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork
is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor
redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your
property. Prospects would rather see how great your home
really looks than hear how great it could look, "with a
little work."

Check Faucets and Bulbs
Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and
suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs leave
prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems detract
from what's right with your home.

Don't Shut Out a Sale
If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be
sure they will also stick in a prospect's mind. Don't try to
explain away sticky situations when you can easily fix them.
A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a
closing.

Think Safety
Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-setbooby
traps: roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension
cords, slippery throw rugs and low hanging overhead lights.
Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for
visitors.

Make Room for Space
Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just
comfortable living space. They're looking for storage space,
too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of
unnecessary items.

Consider Your Closets
The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now's
the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to
charity.

Make Your Bathrooms Sparkle
Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair
damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For
added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower
curtains.

Create Dream Bedrooms
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For
a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful
bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.

Open up in the Daytime
Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so
prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.

Lighten up at Night
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both
inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening.
Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel
welcome.

Avoid Crowd Scenes
Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a
home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the
attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Keep
the company present to a minimum.

Watch Your Pets
Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're
showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot.
So do everybody a favor: Keep Kitty and Spot outside, or at
least out of the way.

Think Volume
Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real
estate transaction. When it's time to show your home, it's
time to turn down the stereo or TV.

Relax
Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects
want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.

Don't Apologize
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its
shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment
about your home's appearance, let your experienced
Jim
Williams Realtor handle the situation.

Keep a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But your realtor
know buyers - what they need and what they want. Your
realtor will have an easier time articulating the virtues of
your home if you stay in the background.

Don't Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them
with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need.
You may lose the biggest sale of all.

Defer to Experience
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other
real
estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your realtor.

Help Your AgentJim Williams will have an easier time selling your home if
showings are scheduled through their office. You'll appreciate
the results!